Galway-West of Ireland, European Region of Gastronomy 2018 has been elected Best Economic Development Project in Ireland on 22 November 2018, earning Galway County Council the first prize in the category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2018.
Designed to give prominence to best practise in local government, the recognition acknowledged the region’s ability to support local economic development through innovative projects and to consolidate the direct relationship between local businesses and local authorities.
Coordinator of Galway-West of Ireland, European Region of Gastronomy 2018, Elaine Donohue affirmed that “this award is of extreme significance to Galway County Council and acknowledges the hard work and dedication that has been applied throughout the year around the European Region of Gastronomy designation — by the council as lead partners, and the work and collaboration of a wide range of public, private, educational and community stakeholders that is bolstering the project’s success. This collaboration is driving wider economic development such as the BIA Innovator Campus and festivals and events through our key objectives.”
“The economic benefits of such work are wide and varied. The county’s food industry is flourishing, with the involvement of skilled farmers, growers, producers and chefs. Businesses work with one another, as seasonality is seen as key to many restaurants’ menus. This makes for a symbiotic relationship within the community, with each business gaining mutual benefit from working together,” Elaine Donohue concluded.
The Excellence in Local Government Awards are are organised by Chambers Ireland in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness and share the long-term aim to: promote a better quality of life in European regions; highlight distinctive food cultures; educate for better health and sustainability; nurture creativity; improve tourism standards; and stimulate gastronomic innovation.
About IGCAT
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating, and supporting leaders in regions to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Food Experiences of the Year and the Food Film Festivals project.